If you’re deciding between the Polygon Tambora gravel bike A-series and G-series, here’s the quick answer: Tambora A is all-road agility, while Tambora G is gravel-focused adventure. Both are capable, but they shine in different terrains and riding styles. Let’s break this down so you can choose the setup that truly fits your routes, habits, and future goals.
What Does the Tambora A-Series Do Best?
The gravel bike Tambora A-series is built for riders who spend most of their time on paved roads, with the flexibility to explore light gravel and mixed terrain when the mood strikes. Think of it as the “road-plus” option; fast on tarmac, confident enough on dirt.
1. All-road Setup for Riders Who Mix Pavement + Light Gravel
If your weekly rides look like:
- Commuting on smooth roads
- Weekend loops with scenic gravel segments
- Fitness rides with the occasional detour onto park connectors or packed dirt
Then, the A-series is designed around your lifestyle. It’s versatile without leaning too heavily into rugged terrain.
2. Aero Handlebars for Better Speed
Compared to the gravel bike G-series, the Tambora A gets a more road-influenced cockpit, including:
- Aero-shaped handlebar
- Slightly narrower stance
- Quicker, more responsive steering
This supports the gravel bike’s personality: speed, efficiency, and smooth transitions between road sections.
3. Wider Gear Range for Climbing and Speed
The A-series typically comes with a 2x drivetrain, such as the 2×11 seen on the A4.
This gives you:
- More top-end speed on flat roads
- Closer gear steps for smoother cadence
- Improved versatility on rolling terrain
This gravel bike is ideal for riders who prioritize maintaining speed on pavement but still want gears ready for hills or gravel connectors.
4. Geometry tuned for agility
The A-series leans toward a road-like geometry, offering:
- Slightly shorter wheelbase
- Faster acceleration
- Tighter handling
You still get gravel capability, but with a snappier feel, great for urban environments, fast group rides, and mixed-surface adventures where you want agility more than monster-truck stability.
What Does the Tambora G-Series Do Best?
If the A-series is “road-plus,” the G-series is “gravel-first.” This gravel bike is for riders who treat gravel not as an added bonus, but as their primary playground.
1. All-gravel Setup for True Off-road Capability
Choose the G-series if your routes include:
- Adventure loops
- Remote routes outside the city
- Rough gravel
- Loose stones, forest trails, or fire roads
- Long-distance mixed terrain
If you often find yourself far from pavement, the G-series is the one built to keep you confident.
2. Flared Handlebars for Stability Off-road
Flared bars increase control on rough surfaces by widening your wrist and arm position. You get:
- Improved leverage
- Better balance
- Increased comfort on long rides
This is the cockpit feature gravel riders swear by, especially when descending chunky terrain.
3. Simpler, more Durable 1x Drivetrain
Most G-series models (e.g., G5 with 1×11) prioritize a single chainring setup, which offers:
- Fewer moving parts
- Less mechanical complexity
- Improved chain stability
- Wider-range cassette for steep or uneven terrain
This system is made for adventures where durability and simplicity matter more than fine-tuned speed.
4. Geometry Optimized for Confidence, Not Speed
While the A-series gives agility, the G-series gives stability through:
- Longer wheelbase
- Slacker front-end behavior
- Steady handling on the rough stuff
This lets you ride over unpredictable terrain without feeling twitchy.
5. Flip-chip + Higher Tire Clearance
The G-series is where Polygon pushes the gravel tuning harder:
- Higher tire clearance (up to ~45c depending on model)
- Flip-chip rear dropout for switching wheelbase & tyre clearance
These two features alone make the G-series more adaptable for:
- bikepacking
- gravel races
- multi-day exploration
- chunky gravel routes
It’s truly built for riders who push beyond paved paths.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Tambora A vs Tambora G
| Feature | Tambora A-Series | Tambora G-Series |
| Intended Use | All-road, commuting, road-plus gravel | Gravel-first, adventure, off-road loops |
| Frame/Geometry | Road-influenced, agile, shorter wheelbase | Gravel-optimized, stable, longer wheelbase |
| Drivetrain | 2x setup (e.g., 2×11) for more gear range | 1x setup (e.g., 1×11) for durability & simplicity |
| Handlebar | Aero-style bar | Flared gravel bar |
| Tire Clearance | Moderate (for lighter gravel) | Higher clearance (up to ~45c depending on model) |
| Extra Features | Flip-chip option, focus on speed & mixed terrain | Flip-chip option, adventure-ready |
| Price Positioning | Slightly better for road-focused riders | Best value for gravel & bikepacking riders |
Why Are We Comparing Tambora A and Tambora G Gravel Bike?
Because most riders fall into one of two categories:
Category 1
You spend 70–90% of the time on pavement, but want a bike that can handle scenic gravel or dirt paths easily. You’re likely an A-series rider.
Category 2
You actively seek out gravel, rough terrain, long routes, or adventure loops. Your rides might go deep into nature. You’re likely a G-series rider.
This comparison exists to help you choose the right bike the first time, based on the actual terrain you ride, not the terrain you wish you rode.
Which One Should You Choose?
Tambora A: For the rider whose week is mostly tarmac but never boring
If your rides bounce between city streets, park connectors, and the occasional gravel surprise, the A-series fits that rhythm perfectly. It feels quick the moment the pedals turn, settles nicely into fast-paced commutes, and doesn’t flinch when the route throws in a dirt stretch.
The overall vibe is “road bike energy with just enough wild side,” making it a great pick if you want one bike that feels lively every single day without locking you into a single terrain.
Suggested Lineup: Polygon Tambora A4 | Polygon Tambora A5 | Polygon Tambora A9X
Tambora G: For the rider who sees gravel as the real invite
The G-series is for people who actively choose routes with unpredictable surfaces because that’s where the fun begins. It’s the bike that stays calm when the ground gets messy, carries gear without feeling overloaded, and opens up roads you can’t reach with an all-road setup.
If you dream of longer loops, remote detours, or rides where you don’t know what the trail will throw at you next, this one aligns better with that spirit. Pavement becomes the warm-up, not the main event.
Suggested lineup: Polygon Tambora G4 | Polygon Tambora G7 | Polygon Tambora G8X
Read also: Gravel for City & Beyond: Tambora G7 Review
Explore Both Models at Rodalink Singapore
Both bikes are strong options, but each shines for different riders. If you want all-road agility, go Tambora A. If you want a gravel-focused adventure, go to Tambora G.
Whichever direction you choose, shopping at Rodalink Singapore gives clear advantages:
- Free islandwide delivery
- Rodalink points you can redeem for future purchases
- Updated promotions on gravel bicycles, accessories, and gear
- A trusted bike shop experience with real experts ready to help
If you’re searching “bike shop sg,” “bike shop near me,” or you want to buy a gravel bike with confidence, Rodalink offers a smooth, reliable experience, both online and in-store.
Ready to explore? Check out the full Polygon Tambora lineup and find the setup that fits the way you ride.
Read also: Flip Chip Tech Explained: Gravel Bike Upgrade?
